Combining advanced technology, immersive experiences, and futuristic architecture, Aquellum represents a bold new approach to urban living and tourism.

A Hidden Underground City

Unlike traditional cities, Aquellum is envisioned as a vertically layered underground community integrated directly into the mountains.

The concept focuses on:

Hidden subterranean architecture

Futuristic residential and hospitality spaces

Advanced digital infrastructure

Immersive entertainment experiences

Its concealed design creates a unique blend of privacy, innovation, and environmental harmony.

A Sci-Fi Inspired Urban Experience

Aquellum’s design has drawn comparisons to futuristic science-fiction worlds due to its dramatic architecture and advanced technological integration.

Planned features include:

Large underground digital spaces

Floating and immersive public environments

High-tech transportation systems

AI-driven smart city infrastructure

Luxury lifestyle and entertainment zones

The project aims to create an environment where physical and digital experiences merge seamlessly.

Technology at the Core

Technology is central to Aquellum’s identity. The community is expected to feature:

AI-powered urban management systems

Smart mobility solutions

Fully connected digital ecosystems

Interactive augmented and virtual experiences

This positions Aquellum as a next-generation destination built for the future of digital living.

Luxury, Tourism, and Lifestyle

Aquellum is being designed as an exclusive destination combining luxury and innovation.

The development is expected to include:

Premium residences and boutique hospitality

Wellness and entertainment facilities

High-end retail and dining experiences

Event and cultural spaces

Its futuristic atmosphere is intended to attract global visitors seeking unique travel and lifestyle experiences.

Sustainability and Environmental Integration

In line with NEOM’s environmental vision, Aquellum emphasizes sustainable development practices.

Key sustainability goals include:

Minimizing surface-level environmental impact

Preserving natural mountain landscapes

Integrating energy-efficient systems

Supporting environmentally responsible urban planning

The underground design itself contributes to reducing land disruption while maximizing space efficiency.

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

Aquellum aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy through innovation, tourism, and technology.

The project is expected to:

Boost high-tech tourism and investment

Expand Saudi Arabia’s digital economy

Create jobs in technology, construction, and hospitality

Strengthen NEOM’s position as a global innovation hub

Development Status

Aquellum is currently in the planning and development phase as part of NEOM’s expanding portfolio of futuristic destinations. The project has attracted global attention due to its highly ambitious and unconventional design.

As NEOM progresses, Aquellum is expected to become one of the most talked-about urban developments in the world.

Conclusion

Aquellum is more than an underground city—it is a vision of how future communities could blend technology, sustainability, and immersive experiences within a hidden architectural world.

When Saudi Arabia first unveiled The Line, the world was captivated by its bold vision — a 170-kilometer futuristic linear city designed to transform urban living. As a flagship development within NEOM, the project promised a car-free, zero-carbon metropolis powered by advanced technology.

However, recent reports suggest the project may undergo a major strategic shift, with plans being reconsidered and parts of the development potentially repurposed for large-scale artificial intelligence data centers and digital infrastructure. This possible transformation reflects evolving priorities in Saudi Arabia’s long-term development strategy.

The Original Vision Behind The Line

Announced in 2021, The Line was designed as a revolutionary urban concept featuring two parallel mirrored skyscrapers stretching across the desert landscape.

Key features of the original concept included:

1. A 170-kilometer-long linear city
2. Capacity for up to 9 million residents
3. No cars or traditional roads
4. Ultra-high-speed transportation across the entire city in about 20 minutes
5. Fully powered by renewable energy
6. AI-driven urban management systems

The project quickly became one of the most talked-about developments under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil.

Challenges Facing the Mega-City

Despite its ambitious vision, building a city of this scale presented enormous challenges.

1. Financial Scale

The full build-out of The Line was estimated to cost hundreds of billions — potentially trillions — of dollars, making it one of the most expensive urban developments ever attempted.

2. Engineering Complexity

Constructing a continuous mirrored structure across 170 kilometers of desert terrain requires unprecedented engineering solutions, from structural stability to transportation systems.

3. Development Timelines

Large-scale megaprojects often face delays as planners refine designs, manage logistics, and align with broader national economic priorities.

These factors have reportedly encouraged planners to reconsider aspects of the original plan.

A Possible Shift Toward AI Data Infrastructure

Rather than abandoning the project entirely, reports indicate that some parts of the development may be repurposed to support artificial intelligence infrastructure.

This could include:

1. Massive AI data centers
2. Cloud computing facilities
3. High-performance computing hubs
4. Digital storage infrastructure for global technology companies

Such a shift would reflect the rapid global growth of AI technologies, which require enormous computing power and energy resources.

The geographic location of NEOM could offer advantages, including access to renewable energy sources and proximity to global digital networks connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Aligning With Saudi Arabia’s Technology Strategy

Saudi Arabia has been increasingly investing in technology and digital infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. Expanding AI computing capacity could strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a regional technology and innovation hub.

Potential benefits include:

• Attracting international tech companies
• Supporting AI research and development
• Creating high-skill technology jobs
• Expanding digital infrastructure for global markets

By pivoting toward AI infrastructure, Saudi Arabia could tap into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.

The Future of NEOM

Even if The Line undergoes major changes, the broader NEOM project remains active. The region is expected to include multiple developments focused on tourism, advanced industries, sustainable energy, and technology.

Urban planners suggest that the future may involve:

• Smaller sections of The Line being built first

• Integration of AI and smart-city technologies

• Development of innovation districts and tech campuses

This flexible approach allows the project to adapt to changing economic and technological trends.

Conclusion

The potential transformation of The Line reflects how ambitious megaprojects often evolve over time. While the original vision of a 170-kilometer linear city captured global imagination, the possibility of turning parts of the project into an AI data infrastructure hub could position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the digital economy.

Rather than signaling the end of the project, the redesign may represent a strategic shift toward technology-driven growth, aligning with the Kingdom’s long-term goals under Vision 2030.

Autonomous Taxis Roll Out in the Capital

A bold new era in urban mobility has arrived in Riyadh, where the Kingdom has officially launched its first phase of self-driving taxi operations. The pilot program—developed in collaboration with Uber, iDrive, and WeRide—positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of automated transportation in the Middle East.

Running across seven major locations, including King Khalid International Airport (Terminal 5) and key city corridors, the 12-month trial will be regulated by the Transport General Authority (TGA). Each vehicle will be monitored in real-time with onboard safety officers, ensuring the performance of AI systems in real-world traffic conditions.

To support the electric fleet, 13 dedicated charging stations have already been installed—marking a step toward both technological advancement and sustainable urban development.

Why This Move Matters for Saudi Arabia

The launch of self-driving taxis isn’t just a tech milestone—it’s a strategic move aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at redefining how people move and live in the Kingdom’s cities.

According to Minister of Transport Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, autonomous vehicles are ten times safer than traditional cars. That’s not just a safety upgrade—it’s a revolution in public trust and urban design.

Key benefits include:

• Lower carbon emissions, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s green targets
• Improved traffic safety through machine-precision driving
• Enhanced quality of life, with seamless and intelligent transit experiences

This pilot is part of a wider strategy to transition transport from utility to smart infrastructure, placing Saudi Arabia among global innovation leaders.

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next

This is just the beginning. Uber has announced plans to scale up its autonomous vehicle fleet to 20,000 units by 2030, setting a bold trajectory for driverless transport in the Kingdom.

The rollout forms one component of Saudi Arabia’s larger smart mobility agenda, which includes:

• Hydrogen-powered vehicles
• Electric bus fleets
• Integrated smart rail systems
• Sustainable urban planning frameworks

As cities like NEOM, Riyadh, and Jeddah invest in cutting-edge infrastructure, autonomous mobility becomes more than a possibility—it becomes a standard.

More Than Mobility: A Platform for Innovation

Saudi Arabia is signaling a powerful message: transportation is evolving from a service into a platform—one that merges AI, sustainability, and user-centric design.

From digital fare systems to connected traffic networks, smart mobility is becoming the backbone of urban innovation. Riyadh’s self-driving taxis represent a leap toward:

• Autonomous public services
• AI-integrated city management
• Global tech partnerships that drive economic diversification

Conclusion: Riyadh Is Driving the Future

The deployment of autonomous taxis in Riyadh is more than a tech trial—it’s a national statement. With strong regulatory oversight, global partnerships, and sustainability at its core, this initiative reflects a future-ready Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 agenda, the streets of Riyadh are turning into testbeds for tomorrow’s smart cities.